Sport

Spanish midfielder Luisma Villa has signed a new one-year contract with Barnet

Barnet midfielder Luisma Villa has signed a contract extension for another year with the Bees.

The 25-year-old, who moved to The Hive from Spanish outfit Noja last summer, has quickly established himself as a key member of the Bees midfield, making 29 appearances and scoring four times.

Reflecting on his new deal, Luisma told the club’s website it was “a beautiful thing” to be playing regularly for the Bees.

He said: “The truth is that I am very happy. I feel very at home here so when I was offered the chance to stay for another year I had no hesitation in signing.

“This is a unique club and I love how things are done here. It is a beautiful thing when you play games or you are around the stadium and people come up and talk to you with your name on their shirt.

Born in Noja, Luisma started his professional career with Racing Santander and played for Los Racinguistas against Barcelona in La Liga before dropping into Segunda Division ‘B’ to join Real Union.

Spells with Alaves and Amorebieta followed before a move to his hometown club in 2012.

The Spaniard, who joined along with countryman Roberto Casabella last summer, highlighted a number of differences between Spanish and English football after his first year in the country.

He explained: “I came here knowing that the football would be a lot different to what I was used to. I am not a player that is particularly strong physically, and perhaps I was a little bit lacking in some of those characteristics.

“There are other things that are very different as well, to not always argue with the referee and to get up quickly when they don’t give a foul against you, for example.

“They are small things but they are things that you have to learn, and I do feel that I am becoming more and more accustomed to them. I am really enjoying English football and learning this new style.”